VK services
- Structural Engineering
technical data
- client
- College of Europe npa
- architects
- E. Vanassche
- Michel van Langenhoven
- Xaveer De Geyter
- surface
- 8,150 m2
- date
- start of project: 2004
- finished in: 2007
- location
- Bruges, Belgium
europacollege
expansion of a post graduate institute, with the renovation of an elegant building
The College of Europe in Bruges and Natolin (Poland) offers postgraduate courses in law, economics and politics, with an emphasis on the European dimension. In addition, it also organizes training courses tailored for executives and senior officials.
The campus in Bruges had an urgent need for structural expansion because of the increasing number of promotions. In addition, the campus was spread over 11 buildings - now the academic activities are concentrated at the Verversdijk. Therefore, an existing, elegant building was renovated (arch. Michel Van Langenhove), and 2 blocks were added (arch. Xaveer De Geyter) with auditoria, a foyer, meeting rooms and a reception area.
VK provided the stability studies. It paid particular attention to the facade, which is composed of bearing, prefabricated elements of polished exposed concrete, a material that is also frequently used inside. Moreover, large spans of 10 meters and more keep supporting columns from disturbing the field of vision.


